How to Reinforce Deadbolts

You can reinforce a deadbolt.

A deadbolt works by turning a handle on the door that inserts a metal cylinder into the door jamb. That, combined with the regular door lock at the doorknob, gives a certain degree of protection from break-ins. However, there are certain procedures that you can do that will provide even more protection than what a regular deadbolt will do. Each of them will require some moderate do it yourself experience, but with some basic tools, you will be able to reinforce any deadbolt and make it stronger.

Longer Screws

1

Remove the strike plate attachment screws. These are typically less than 1 inch long. Replace them with 3-inch wood screws.

2

Drill pilot holes into the original screw holes and screw in the 3-inch screws with a drill and the appropriate screwdriver bit.

3

Tighten the screws firmly. The 3-inch screws have been screwed into the door stud and that makes it more difficult to smash through the deadbolt.

Building Plate

1

Remove the trim on the inside of the door. Tap the old finish nail all the way through the finish with a nail set and a hammer. Gently pry the trim away from the door.

2

Trace the outline of a metal building plate as it rests centered over the side of the deadbolt strike plate. Chisel out an area so that the plate will lie flush with the wood.

3

Drill pilot holes where four mounting screws will go; two short screws go into the jamb and two 3-inch screws are angled into the wall stud. Turn in the screws with your drill and bit then reattach the trim to the inside of the door jamb.

Better Grade Deadbolt

1

Replace your regular deadbolt with a grade No. 1 deadbolt and deeper strike plate. The grade No. 1 deadbolt will retrofit into the place where the regular deadbolt fits. Remove the screws, pull out the old deadbolt and replace it with the grade No. 1 kind.

2

Mark the center of the strike plate with a straight edge and a pencil. Align the screws holding the strike plate in, then draw a line an inch below the bottom screw and an inch above the top screw. Replace the old strike plate with the new one then trace the outline of the new strike plate onto the door jamb. Remove the new strike plate.

3

Measure the depth of the new strike box and drill holes into the jamb to that depth using a 1-inch spade bit. Once the holes are drilled, cut out the strike box hole using a chisel. Also, chisel out the depth of the new strike plate to make it sit flush on the door jamb.

4

Screw in both the strike box and the strike plate using 3-inch screws.

About the Author

Dale Yalanovsky has been writing professionally since 1978. He has been published in "Woman's Day," "New Home Journal" and on many do-it-yourself websites. He specializes in do-it-yourself projects, household and auto maintenance and property management. Yalanovsky also writes a bimonthly column that provides home improvement advice.